The tomatoes spill over onto the red and white table cloth — heirlooms and beefsteaks in reds, oranges, yellows and greens, bursting with flavor. Next to the basket are loaves of fresh bread, still steaming from the ovens, and a cutting board, scared from years of expertly crafting a well made sandwich. The table is set.
Standing in the shadows of an old barn next to the Indian Fields Tavern, chef Scott Hoyland, owner of Culture Cafe in Williamsburg, waits, shielding his eyes against the sun. It is First Sundays at Indian Fields, and though only 11am, the revelers are already streaming in.
First Sundays at Indian Fields Tavern is the brainchild of Shirley Vermillion, founder of Love Light Placemaking, and a sister event to the perennially favorite Second Sundays held in downtown Williamsburg. With a mission of spreading arts, music and creativity, Vermillion has created a place where locals can gather to celebrate locals — artists of all mediums, from ceramics to jewelry, from music to culinary. Many of those who visit First Sundays and Second Sundays stop in at Culture Cafe’s pop up restaurant for a tomato sandwich or focaccia, or whatever delight has been inspired by the day’s fresh ingredients procured largely from local farmers.
“We’ve known each other for 15 years,” says Vermillion of her friendship with Hoyland that started around the time Second Sundays were formed, just down the street from Culture Cafe’s flagship restaurant on Scotland Street. Hoyland serves the same quality of food of food in both his pop up and brick and mortar restaurants, but the real culinary adventure begins when you walk through Culture Cafe’s door at 747 Scotland Street.
Breads, pastries, brownies and “Mom Tarts” are complimented by an extensive and delightful breakfast and lunch menu that includes truffle poutine made with Italian sausage and a poached egg, salmon bowls with jasmine rice, vegetables and a tamari glaze, and eggs, oysters and a waffle… which is just as it sounds — delicious!
Culture Cafe
747 Scotland St, Williamsburg, VA
On street parking and a dedicated lot behind the restaurant which is accessed via the alley to the left of the Greenleafe.
Indian Fields Tavern
9220 John Tyler Memorial Hwy, Charles City, VA